Wood Duck Nest Box

Many Oklahomans consider wood ducks the most spectacular species
of waterfowl because of their elaborate plumage. The male’s head
is crested and is metallic green and purple with white patches
and lines. The throat is white, the bill red at the base, and
the eye bright orange-red. Its chest is glossy purplish-chestnut
which fades into the white of the breast. Back and rump are a
rich bronze-green and the sides are pale buff. The adult female
is rather plainly marked, grayish-brown duck with a crest and
white eyeings. The wood duck’s appearance, as well as its
inclination to nest near human activity, accounts for its
popularity with waterfowl hunters and other wildlife
enthusiasts. Other common names for wood duck include woody and
squealer.

Early in this century this tree cavity-nesting species nearly
disappeared because of the loss of primary habitat, bottomland
timber, as well as unregulated hunting. As research into the
life history of the species became available in the 1930’s,
conservation agencies and private organizations built and
installed thousands of nest boxes throughout the wood duck’s
range. The ducks responded well to the artificial homes and now
may be the most common breeding duck in the lower 48 states.
Wood ducks nest from late February through July with peak
nesting time during March and April. The average clutch size is
12 with 1 egg being laid per day. The hen incubates the eggs for
approximately 28 days. After the eggs hatch, the duckling leave
the nest within 24 hours.

Renesting often occurs when predators or other events destroy
nests during the incubation period. Occasionally wood ducks
renest even after their first nests hatch successfully.

Nesting Habitat
Wooded rivers, streams and marshes provide good habitat for wood
ducks. Boxes mounted within or close to good brood rearing
habitat is essential for the protection of young wood ducks from
predators.

Suitable brood rearing habitat should include shallow areas
along banks or in wetlands which contain low, overhanging or
fallen woody vegetation. Flooded vegetation can also provide
seclusion and protection for broods while foraging or loafing.

The
best lumber to use for wood duck boxes is untreated cedar or
pine, preferably in rough- cut condition for a "natural" look.
Leaving the rough texture on the inside also will allow the
duckling to climb up and out of the structure. Also, a
three-inch wide strip of 1/4-inch hardware cloth with sharp ends
bent under can be stapled inside the box. The wire mesh should
lead from the bottom to the entry-exit hole to ensure the
duckling' exit. Four 1/4-inch drainage holes should be drilled
in the bottom of the box. A three to four inch layer of sawdust
or wood shavings should then be placed in the box for nesting
material.

Secure boxes to metal or rot-resistant wooden posts (4 x 4s work
well). It is best to mount nest boxes over permanent water at
least seven to eight feet above the water surface and at least
three feet above the floodmark of the stream or impoundment.
Mounting the boxes higher (15-20 ft.) is advantageous, but only
if they are accessible for annual cleaning.

Position the poles at the water's edge or directly in the water
to minimize the duckling' vulnerability when they follow their
mother from the nest. Install nest box units in secluded areas
at intervals greater than 100 yards to isolate nests and
maximize nesting efficiency.

To help protect the nest from predators, especially raccoons and
snakes, install a protective shield below the nest box. This
cone shaped device should be placed at least one or two feet
below the box. For best results use 26-gauge sheet metal with a
diameter of 36 inches. Locating the nest box over water will
help exclude some predators.
Each January, clean out old sawdust or wood shavings along with
any shells and debris. Replace it with fresh sawdust or wood
shavings for the new nesting season.

You can construct your own ( wood duck box by using the diagram
in this brochure. Whether you make your own, or purchase your
boxes, you will enjoy watching future generations of wood ducks.